The term "nation" has often been used as a synonym for "country", "state", or ethnic group" and, consequently, this uncritical usage has resulted in fierce disagreements on what constitutes national identity. "Nationalism" sometimes has a disturbing connotation. Nationalist feeling is often attached to a refusal of openness towards other peoples, and even a feeling of hatred towards them. But nationalism differs from similar notions such as patriotism, which might lead some of us to think that nationalism engenders some violence. We may not know exactly what a nation is, but we know what nationalism means and it is crucial to distinguish the right type from the wrong one. This important discernment needs to be done by all citizens and it is in this context that the Association of Christian Philosophers of India has undertaken this task, keeping in mind the values and commitments that it shares with fellow Indians.

This book explores some of the ideological considerations underlying the terms "nation" and "nationalism". It examines aspects of nationalism by using a multidisciplinary approach and invites us to listen to new and old voices of Indian nationalism. By exploring the different facets that are involved in "Becoming a Nation" it also makes us realize the enormity of the project to be undertaken. These papers study the subject from a multicultural, multi-religious perspective while adopting a multi-disciplinary approach. No attempt has been made to form a synthesis of the various views presented: this celebrates the unity of positive purpose in the diversity of views which is fully in keeping with the spirit of the Indian nation.

Contents

Editorial

Keynote Address

Part 1
Nation and Nationalism : Ideological Considerations

1. Imagining a Nation : Postcolonial Perspectives / Nishant A. Irudayadason

2. From Sovereignty to Solidarity : Redefining Identity Politics / Keith D'Souza

3. "Whose Nation? Whose State?" : Subaltern Readings into Constitutional Trajectories / Jose D. Maliekal

4. The Dialectics between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles / F. Peter Ladis

5. The Nation as an Evolution of Self-Consciousness : An Analysis Based on Hegelian Philosophy / Gregory Mathew Malayil

6. Hannah Arendt : The Political Function of Thinking / Gayatri Mendanha

7. The Role of Intellectuals and the Right to Dissent / Noel D'Costa

8. Becoming an Indian Christian / Victor Ferrao

Part 2
Voices of Indian Nationalism

9. Deconstructing the Orientalist Imaging of `Spiritual' India / John Peter Vallabadoss

10. Science : Not to Silence "Silence" : Reflections on the Role Science in Building a Holistic Nation / S. Stephen Jayard

11. Terrorism, Fundamentalism and Nationalism / Jose Pennaparambil

12. The Role of Soft Power and Hard Power in Nation Building / Francis Arackal Thummy

13. Multiculturalism and Recognition in the Context of Nation Building : Western Questions and the Indian Experience / Dolreich Pereira

14. Politics Governing the Reservation Policy / S. Sekar Sebastin

15. Symbols of Indian Nationalism : Past Glory and Present Crisis / Vianney Maria Joseph

Part 3
Aspects of Nationalism

16. Ushering in a New Dawn : Making Poverty History in India / Ashley Miranda

17. Winners and Losers in the Development Game / Anthony Dias

18. Clash of Nationalisms : Calling for a Gandhian Alternative / A. Pushparajan

19. The Nation as an Antinomy : A Note on the Conceptual Logic of Tagore's Dissenting Voice on Nationalism / Devasia M. Antony

20. Revisiting Narayana Guru, Periyar and Ambedkar for Secular Modernity in India / James Ponniah

21. Subaltern "Space" within the Fabric of Contemporary Indian Society / James D. Chellappa

22. Sri Aurobindo : From Politics to Poetics in Post-Modern India / Kamladevi R. Kunkolienker

Statement of ACPI Research Seminar on "Becoming a Nation : Processes & Prospects"

Contributors

Dolreich Pereira is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Bombay. He teaches philosophy at St Pius X College, Mumbai and is visiting professor in other seminaries. He pursued his philosophical studies at Institute Catholique de Paris in France and is currently writing his doctoral thesis at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune. He has presented papers in both philosophy as well as theology at seminars and has contributed several articles in national journals and in edited books.